Maki shelves GP2 Asia plans

Mika Maki has abandoned his GP2 Asia plans this winter to focus on a title push in his second season in the Formula 3 Euro Series next year.

The Red Bull-backed 20-year-old, who finished joint fourth in the Euro Series standings this year, raced for Team Arden in the GP2 Asia opener in China last month.

But this week's Autosport reports that he has shelved plans to complete the series after deciding to remain in F3 for another year in a bid to win the championship.

"The only possible target now is the title - that was always the plan," said Maki. "I'm better prepared now to show my real speed."

Maki drove for Mucke Motorsport this year, but declined to comment on which team he will race for next year, following Volkswagen's claim that all Red Bull-backed F3 drivers will have VW power next season.

Renger van der Zande, who tied Maki for fourth in the Euro Series standings this year, will replace the Finn at Arden for the remainder of the GP2 Asia series, while Maki added that he still hopes to graduate to the main GP2 Series in 2010.

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